Hit-and-Run Kills 29-Year-Old in Kershaw County

Elgin resident Brandon James Butler died in the early morning incident on Wildwood Lane.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car side mirror or headlight lens, the dramatic lighting and stark contrast creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragedy of a hit-and-run collision.The aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run incident exposes the harsh realities of road safety failures in one South Carolina community.Elgin Today

A 29-year-old man from Elgin, South Carolina was killed in a hit-and-run incident early Thursday morning in Kershaw County. Brandon James Butler was found on the side of Wildwood Lane near the intersection of Chestnut Road around 1:26 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle that struck Butler fled the area, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol's MAIT Team is investigating the collision along with the Kershaw County Coroner's Office.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents are a serious problem in many communities, often leaving victims and their families without closure or justice. This tragedy highlights the need for improved road safety measures and stronger enforcement to hold drivers accountable when they flee the scene of a collision.

The details

According to authorities, Brandon James Butler was heading towards the town of Elgin on Wildwood Lane when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. The driver of that vehicle did not remain at the scene and has not been identified.

  • The 911 call came in around 1:26 a.m. on April 9, 2026.

The players

Brandon James Butler

A 29-year-old resident of Elgin, South Carolina who was killed in the hit-and-run incident.

David West

The Kershaw County Coroner who identified the victim.

South Carolina Highway Patrol's MAIT Team

The investigative unit that is looking into the collision.

Kershaw County Coroner's Office

The office assisting with the investigation of the incident.

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What’s next

The South Carolina Highway Patrol's MAIT Team and the Kershaw County Coroner's Office continue to investigate the hit-and-run incident in an effort to identify the driver who fled the scene.

The takeaway

This tragic loss of life underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stronger enforcement to hold hit-and-run drivers accountable. The Elgin community is left grieving the death of a young resident, and authorities must work diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice.